Sewickley Creek Watershed Association recognized several community leaders at its fundraiser banquet March 7th at Giannilli’s II Restaurant in Greensburg, Westmoreland County.  Over 170 guests attended the event.    

Awards this year were presented to Firestone Building Products, University of Pittsburgh – Greensburg Campus, Mark Jackson from the Westmoreland Conservation District, Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, and Scout Troop 465.

(Photo - Award recipients L to R: Plant Manager Michael McCrea, Firestone; Mark Jackson, WCD; Dr. Dean Nelson and Dr. Sharon P. Smith, President, UPG; Tom Keller, Executive Director, SCWA; members of Scout Troop 465; County Commissioner Ted Kopas; and, Dr. Ellen Uschak, President, SCWA.)

Each year the Association recognizes local individuals, businesses, and organizations for their leadership in conserving our natural resources and improving the quality of life in our communities.  Sewickley Creek partners with businesses, municipalities, schools, and other organizations to help reduce pollutants entering our streams and to restore riparian buffers. 

Westmoreland County Commissioner, Ted Kopas, presented award winners with proclamations on behalf of the County for their accomplishments.  Hempfield Township Supervisor, Doug Weimer, presented a proclamation to the Association for their achievements and partnership efforts.     

Professors and students from the University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg Campus served as guest speakers and reported the results of their recent water quality studies.  Their research focused on the biological and chemical impacts of pollutants, primarily abandoned mine discharges (AMD), on Sewickley Creek and its tributaries. 

The Association has installed three large AMD treatment facilities reducing the iron oxide into the stream by over 90 percent.  But as the studies show, much work remains to be done to further reduce the impairments from old coal mines.  

The Association expresses its sincere appreciation to all who attended and supported their 2015 fundraiser banquet.

Event sponsors included: Firestone Building Products; University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg; Hepler’s Hardware; The PT Group/Kraisinger Family Dentistry; Team Denny and Jodi at Berkshire Hathaway; Rachel Hoza, CPA; Menasha Packaging Company, LLC; Gibson-Thomas Engineering Co.; Westmoreland Conservation District; West Newton Sportsmen’s Association; Brett Dias; and, Adam Eidemiller, Inc. 

Please see the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association’s website for a complete listing of sponsors, prize donors and photographs from the event.

A copy of the SCWA January newsletter is also available.

3/23/2015